UPSC has announced 453 vacancies through CDS II 2025 for various academies, including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates aged 20–24 (as of July 2026) with relevant degrees can apply online from 28th May to 17th June 2025. The selection process includes eligibility criteria, fees, and a structured salary system for officers. This article covers everything you need to apply and join the Indian Defence Forces.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025, offering 453 vacancies across multiple courses and academies. This article details the eligibility criteria, age limits, application fee, salary structure, vacancy breakdown, and application process. Candidates can apply online from 28th May to 17th June 2025. Additionally, the article provides direct links to download the official notification PDF and the online application form to streamline the application process.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025: Key Highlights
Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025
Total Vacancy: 453
Job Location: All India
Application Mode: Online
Post Type: Permanent
Selection Methods: Written Examination (CDS Exam), Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview & Medical Examination
Application Fee: ₹200
Important Dates
Details
Online Application Start Date
28th May 2025
Last Date to Apply
17th June 2025 (11:59 PM)
Vacancy Distribution
Number of Posts
Indian Military Academy (Dehradun)
100
Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala)
26
Air Force Academy (Hyderabad)
32
Officers’ Training Academy (Men) (Chennai)
276
Officers’ Training Academy (Women) (Chennai)
19
Age Limit (as on 1 July 2026)
Details
Air Force Academy
20 to 24 years
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Born between 2 July 2002 and 1 July 2007 (Unmarried males only)
Indian Naval Academy
Same as IMA
Educational Qualification
Details
IMA & Officers’ Training Academy
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Indian Naval Academy
Engineering Degree from recognized university/institution
Air Force Academy
Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering
Salary Structure
Pay Scale
Stipend during Training (IMA/OTA)
₹56,100 per month
Lieutenant
₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Captain
₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
Major
₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
Lieutenant Colonel
₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
Colonel
₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
Brigadier
₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600
Major General
₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200
Lieutenant General (HAG Scale)
₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100
HAG+ Scale
₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400
VCOAS/Army Commander/Lt General
₹2,25,000 (fixed)
Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
₹2,50,000 (fixed)
Military Service Pay (MSP)
₹15,500 fixed (Lieutenant to Brigadier)
How to apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025?
Read the Official Notification: Start by carefully going through the official notification to understand the eligibility criteria, selection process, and other important details.
Visit the Important Link Section: Navigate to the “Important Links” section provided below.
Access the Application Link: Click on the “Apply Online” link available under the “Important Links” section.
Register and Login: Create a new account if you’re a first-time applicant or log in with your existing credentials.
Fill in the Application Form: Enter all the required details accurately in the online application form.
Upload Documents: Upload the necessary documents as per the specifications mentioned in the notification.
Pay the Application Fee: Complete the payment of the application fee online (if applicable).
Verify Before Submitting: Review all the information entered to ensure accuracy before clicking the final “Submit” button.
Save and Print: After submitting, save a copy of the application form and take a printout for future reference.
If you have any questions or face issues during the application process, feel free to comment below.
